I need a solution that can cut a 4" hole in 20 gauge galinized sheet metal. It must be able to cut 12 to 50 holes per use> can this be done with this
32213
20 ga will be tough. I use it for 24 ga regularly. Be prepared to replace the cutting bits fairly often if you're cutting 20 ga metal.
779195
Yes. With a hole saw, no problem. I use it everyday as an electrician and make 2 inch holes in plastic and metal, and sometime six in holes in foam ceiling tiles. The only thing stronger would probably be the milwaukee but its twice the price.
1140653
I work with sheet metal also and this is not a tool for thin copper, copper is too soft. I tried it on aluminum and the metal collects on the bit. Great for galv. sheet metal though.
945397
I was able to cut through pressure treated 4x4's with mine, I even cut through PT 6x6 with it. You have to turn it, but it will do it.
2011038
I have set mine to cut 1/8" birch plywood. I have even cut less to cut in a area to lay decorative copper wire. I do not know off the top of my head the max depth. I do not know if it will cut the short side of a 2X4. The gauge is easy to set! I like mine. I do say that you need to use it a few times to get used to its quirky way of always needing to plunge cut everything.
1764558
I would not recommend this tool for the job....not enough power. Blade has a back on it so the angle of the cut would be too shallow. Use a skillsaw or table saw or band saw with infeed/outfeed table or rollers.
1486076
I've used 18 gauge and it was bulky. I found using a metal pin with coated pliers works a little better. I think its how strong your hands are.
224745
If the material is steel it will cut it. I imagine it would also cut any metal that can conduct electricity although I hear that cutting aluminum requires the use of a gas or gas mix rather than compressed air to blow the slag out of the cut for a cleaner cut. You could still use compressed air but the cut will need refining more. The main issue with this cutter is that you must have a compressed air source with enough PSI and tank volume to keep up with the cutter. I got a DeWalt 200 PSI air compressor, I think it was 1.5 HP, to work with the cutter. Also, the air has to be dry. So I had to buy a dessicator to run the air through to give me very dry air. That cost me about $500. New compressor was about $250-300. Cutter itself is $1,500 so total is a little over $2,000. BUT it has made cutting steel SO MUCH EASIER. Just did a project that required many small holes in 3/16" steel angle iron. It would have taken me days and easily more than a dozen drill bits and messy oil, etc. to cut all those holes. Plasma cutter can cut each hole in about 3 seconds. i cut them all in a about 30 minutes.
592050
I've used it to strip 24 gauge - nothing smaller. It does a very good job on the 24g wire. I tried the Harbor Freight product and it cuts, rather than strip, the 24g wire.
2253986
You do and you don't, if you cut thick guage metal you do. If you're cutting stuff less than half an inch you probably do not have to worry since the unit will not draw more. I would replace the breaker and outlet with a 50 amp setup though as a safety precaution.
2153283
I would think it would work fine. Actually just used mine today to fabricate a wall hanger out of brass plate, 1/16. Mowed right through it. Very pleased with the tool, aluminum should be no problem.
1407865
YES. These are very good scissors for cutting thinner gauges of sheet metal. Many well-known jewelry artists use them to cut metal, up to about 21-22 gauge, so 24 gauge is thinner and will work fine. I work for Wubbers, and we make high-end jewelry pliers. We have an online tutorial site...Wubbers University...and several of our tutorials list these in the tool list. For the people that answered that they wouldn't do it...I have used them, and they work great.In fact, there are some techniques in metal...for example, Marne Ryan's Organic Metal techniques...where it is easier to cut the metal with these shears than it is with a jeweler's saw. YES. These are very good scissors for cutting thinner gauges of sheet metal. Many well-known jewelry artists use them to cut metal, up to about 21-22 gauge, so 24 gauge is thinner and will work fine. I work for Wubbers, and we make high-end jewelry pliers. We have an online tutorial site...Wubbers University...and several of our tutorials list these in the tool list. For the people that answered that they wouldn't do it...I have used them, and they work great.In fact, there are some techniques in metal...for example, Marne Ryan's Organic Metal techniques...where it is easier to... » Read More YES. These are very good scissors for cutting thinner gauges of sheet metal. Many well-known jewelry artists use them to cut metal, up to about 21-22 gauge, so 24 gauge is thinner and will work fine. I work for Wubbers, and we make high-end jewelry pliers. We have an online tutorial site...Wubbers University...and several of our tutorials list these in the tool list. For the people that answered that they wouldn't do it...I have used them, and they work great.In fact, there are some techniques in metal...for example, Marne Ryan's Organic Metal techniques...where it is easier to cut the metal with these shears than it is with a jeweler's saw. « Show Less
1675237
I think that would depend on the thickness of the material, how much you have to cut, and desired finish of cut. However this saw will indeed slice through sheet metal very cleanly! I personally love mine and would recommend it to you!
111009
I use it to cut 2-7/8" galvanized steel schedule 80 round pipe. There is a less expensive model at Home Depot that will do pvc pipe just fine.
1232589
Hi, for the obvious Safety Police reasons this sort of question falls out of the scope of valuable answers.For cutting metal you should use a blade that is made for that purpose. They are not expensive.
1140654
This tool is designed for HVAC installers to cut holes in galvanized sheet metal. I never tried it on copper.
2014676
i am not an expert by any means.....and although i have not tried it, it was one of the reasons i purchased it....for multi use (exhaust, mower decks, farm equip, etc.) So, if you get the amps right and the correct rod so you don't blow a hole through the thin material, you might be able to do it. Although, i believe a mig welder would be more suited to this application. sorry, i can't give you an experienced answer